TEARLACH'S EUROPE TRIP
June/July 2005-Part 2
After leaving Belgium by bus I went to a town in France named Reun. I was able to rent a Car to go to Paris. In Paris a tour of the city by bus was made. I toured a lot of museums, and Castles. These castles are big, and have so may rooms. I was able to see old swords and armor.
I visited Napoleons Tomb, very quite area, and very gloomy. Thank goodness I was able to see the most important places. Otherwise I'm glad to leave Paris.
Had a excellent meal of veal, potatoes and a variety of vegetables, And had different types of wine. In the Farmers Market, one can get any type of vegetable or fruit. I had a very pretty Guide and she conned me into eating the snails (Brother). After she coached me, I took one, with garlic. I ask for some wine, and then "down The Hatch" without chewing, drank the wine quickly. Goodness how do these people survive? One full day of museums and castles was great, I enjoyed this. Amazed how all these old items have survived time.
The Guide then took me through a lot of underground tunnels that were used when the resistance fought the Germans. One can go from one tunnel through others into sections of Paris without going to the streets. This afternoon I stopped at an outside cafe, where we got some cheese, meat, and some wine. I decided to get a French Newspaper, after all I want to look intelligent (ha-ha). Some French men sat at our table, not invited. They were talking in French, so I proceeded to speak in Irish, in a somewhat loud voice. Did not take long before they left. (I wonder why).
In France there are 9 dialects. Everyone speaks French (hmmm). I guess I could speak French if I ate enough snails. Lol. Well, enough of Paris, with all the wine, food and in betweens, back to me room. Supper was great, Duck, red potatoes, Beer and wine and alot of vegetables. I was starving. If I had too much wine I would fall asleep on this warm day outside on the street. Oh did not pass up a lovely chocolate cake. Well another day, I need to see more of France.
I got a car so I�m on the road to Orleans, Dijon. After visiting and walking around these old cities, decided to stay in Dijon. Time has stood still in alot of these old cities. Glad they were not destroyed. But I�ve always like old things such as museums and buildings. Love the cemetaries of tombs that really date way back in time.
After a good nights rest and a good breakfast, on me way to Lyon, the town where the Germans murdered a lot of French people, and I went to the cemetery where they are. Lunch in Lyons of a Ham with Goat cheese, and tea, I�m on me way through the towns of Grenable, Valence, and Toulouse. Naturally stopping to see any history and old places.
I�m still surprised how time has stood still as these buildings, shops and restaurants are hundred of years old. Here I�m finally in Marseille, and I�m beat. Me room is great and overlooks the mediterranean sea, with a nice breeze. Was expensive at 120 Euros, but a great view, flowers in the room, alot of snacks, and Breakfast and all types of wines to taste. Here all areas grow different wines through out southern France, and the people are nicer. I really like it here.
Had a great breakfast of eggs, liver, potatoes, and very strong coffee. Last night in the pub, with French musicians, had Brandy made from a certain wine, I sure was amazed, after 2 of the drinks and some fun, headed to bed. Busy morning after a good breakfast off to a farm where for 10 Euros I milked a cow, a goat and a sheep. Seems I lost me touch. Then to a Bull fight, where as they try to put rings on the bulls horns. I did not volunteer to try (I�m chicken).
Speaking of the animals, at the restaurant with some Lamb Chops, had a tray of cheese from all these animals. I really enjoyed it. Always had wine with meals. Bonjour is Hello, oui is yes, non is no, Sil vous plait is please, Merci thank you, Desolo is sorry.
I was able to stop off in the little town of Lourdes, I was able to visit and see the famous statue, and purchase a few gifts for me children. I felt very humble and I looked at the beautiful statue. Had a Ham and cheese sandwich for a snack and with coffee. In a small park here able to get a quick nap. I was here to see the Alps, they are so beautiful and majestic. Time to head for Germany. I was able to get a plane to Munich.
I arrived in Munich and tired. Have a nice room, and took a short nap. All the running and driving in France did me in. Had me first Bratwurst and sauerkraut. A meal within buns were bigger than Hot Dog Buns. Had me first German Beer, cold and great, large stein. But prefer me Guinness.
I went to Dacha a concentration camp, few buildings left and also the ovens are there. Well back to room and will have Duck, red potatoes, vegetables, Wine and then some different types of beer. Sat outside with some coffee, and watched the people, they seem like average Germans.
Another day and I took the train to Hamburg, after checking in room that cost 80 Euros, including breakfast. Visited another concentration camp, as before little left, ones left are memorials to the past. I rented a car to visit Kiel, very old town, had coffee, then proceeded to see the Baltic Sea. Upon returning to Hamburg took trip by car to Potsdam and Magdeburg. I had to have another Bratwurst and sauerkraut. Me gastric stomach says no more.
On to Dresden for the night. Went to a puband restaurant. Had roasted chicken potatoes and vegetables, with German wine. I�ve tried alot of types of wine and beer in the pub. They played alot of polkas and different bands played either jazz, rock and roll (Where�s me hearing aid). All the bigger cities have been rebuilt, but smaller villages are intact. Certainly alot of concentration camps throughout Germany, but after seeing 5 it was enough.
With the smaller communities, I sat outside, watched the people and listen to their language. They do speak some English as I found out as when I spoke to them, they noticed me brogue. I went to this big park where a German Band played. They were selling Bratwurst, so naturally ole Tearlach had to have one. I sat down on the grass to enjoy, after this a big stein of beer. It was warm, naptime got me.
After a good nights sleep, time to leave after 6 days, I�m worn down. But I�ve had a great time. Good Dayor hello is Guten Tag, Good evening is Guten abend, Hi or hello is Hallo or Grun dich, Hi or by is Servus, or Bye Tschus, Good Bye is auf widerschen.
I took German Air Lines to Amsterdam and Virgin Air Lines to Dublin. Me family finally got here to pick me up and I�m wiped out, but had a great time. I covered almost all of the countries I traveled, and put on alot of weight. The sweets from Belgium, the cheeses and wine in France, and oh those Bratwurst are something to behold. Will not be eating sauerkraut for a while tho.
THATS ALL FOLKS!